WOUNDS IN PRUNING. 185 



branch ; or in the angle formed by rival 

 stems, when no actual wound has ever been 

 made; but, which often happens, if the tree 

 be in a youthful, vigorous state, a cup or 

 hollow is formed, resembling that between 

 the thumb and finger half opened. Here 

 the water lodging, in time penetrates the 

 bark, and forms the first receptacle of cor- 

 ruption, which, being once begun, advances 

 apace. 



The first thing necessary towards a cure, 

 or prevention of further injury, is to clean 

 out the water, (for which a syringe may be 

 useful) dust, &c. and dry the hole well by 

 aid of a mop or woollen cloth ; then fill it 

 up, until it run over, with tar ; after which, 

 fix on an apron of thin lead, in such a man- 

 ner as that its edges may reach about a foot 

 upwards on each limb of the tree, be joined 

 close, and fastened with saddle tacks, &c. 



KNOTS, or excrescences, are frequently 

 found on the boles and branches of trees, 

 particularly of Elms. What may have oc- 

 casioned them, in many cases, is not easily 

 accounted for ; but it is sometimes obvious, 

 that they proceed from bruises, or the mal- 

 treatment of trees in youth. In this case, 



